Palestinian football returned on Friday with a club competition in the occupied West Bank, the Gaza Strip and refugee camps in Lebanon after a nearly three-year suspension due to Israel’s genocidal war.

The Palestinian Football Association organized the competition, “Thousand Martyrs Cup,” with opening matches held simultaneously in the three areas.

Jabal Al-Mukaber faced Shabab Al-Khalil at Faisal Al-Husseini International Stadium in the town of Al-Ram, north of Jerusalem, while Khadamat Rafah played Shabab Rafah at Ittihad Deir Al-Balah Club’s stadium in the central Gaza Strip.

In Lebanon, Al-Ansar faced Al-Nahda at Abu Jihad Al-Wazir Stadium in the Ain Al-Hilweh refugee camp in the south.

As many as 244 clubs from the West Bank, Gaza and the diaspora are participating.

The group-stage draw was held simultaneously across the association’s various branches on Sept. 1.

The association named the competition in memory of Palestinian athletes killed by Israel during its war on the Gaza Strip.

Return after lengthy suspension

Mustafa Siyam, secretary-general of the Palestinian Sports Media Association, told Anadolu that the competition marks the return of sporting activity after more than three seasons of suspension.

He said the war also targeted Palestinian athletes and sporting infrastructure, and more than 1,000 athletes, including players, coaches and referees, were killed.

The tournament was named after the martyrs of the sports movement, honoring their loyalty and their sacrifice, said Siyam. Its launch represents “a message that sporting life is returning, even if only in a limited way.”

Sport amid death, destruction

The return of matches to Gaza carries particular significance given the extensive human and material losses inflicted on Palestinian sports since Israel launched its war on the enclave in October 2023.

In the West Bank, the competition also follows the suspension of domestic tournaments for three seasons amid continuing Israeli escalation, which has restricted the ability of clubs and players to train, travel and hold matches regularly.

In Lebanon, the competition is being organized through the association’s diaspora branch and includes Palestinian clubs operating primarily in refugee camps.

The Palestinian Football Association said the tournament would pave the way for the gradual resumption of domestic competitions. AA)